New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Natalie Grant's 'Be One' made Curb Records history yesterday as it debuted #1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart and SoundScan's Adult Contemporary Albums and Contemporary Christian Albums charts. In addition, Grant claimed the #2 position on Billboard's overall Christian & Gospel Albums chart and #28 on the Billboard 200.
The four-time Grammy nominee and five-time "Female Vocalist of the Year" Dove Award winner's title track, and current radio single, is also #15 on Billboard's Christian Songs chart this week and is also week's greatest gainer on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs digital sales chart.
'Be One' is Grant's second #1 debut on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart ('Hurricane' debuted #1 on 11.2.2013) and her highest career sales debut, with higher first-week scans than 'Hurricane' in a market reflecting a decrease in album sales.
Grant attributes this week's debut success to a vibrant relationship with her online community, consistent touring and the support of Christian radio.
"I am grateful and humbled that this new music is being so well received. I was overwhelmingly compelled to write these songs and to know that they are connecting with people is an answer to prayer," shares Grant from her home in Nashville.
'Be One' is the Seattle-born, Nashville-based singer and songwriter's ninth career album and was produced by husband, Bernie Herms (Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban) and recorded in their home studio in Nashville, TN. The 11-track collection features the vocals of Grant's brother Steve, and Grant's daughters Grace, Bella (twins, 8) and Sadie (4).
The chorus to "
Be One" summarized the album's theme perfectly: "Why sit around and wait for a miracle to come when you can be one." It's that empowering perspective that helped Grant overcome her battle with depression and lose 40 pounds over the course of the last 18 months -- unveiled on the August 17th cover of "First For Women" magazine -- and it's that perspective she wants to bring to others who are struggling in their own lives, helping them to overcome guilt and worry and be the people they're truly meant to be.
Grant evokes that same passion in her work with Hope for Justice, an organization she founded as Abolition International in 2005 with the goal of restoring children who are victims of sex trafficking. She dedicates a portion of the proceeds from her jewelry line, NG by
Natalie Grant, to Hope for Justice, and each piece of custom designed jewelry contains a message designed to uplift and inspire. Over the course of her 16-year career, Grant has seen the results of her commitment. Her previous eight albums have netted a total of 25 Dove Award nominations (and eight wins), and she has received four Grammy nominations, including one for her last #1 album 'Hurricane.' 'Be One' is Grant's most transparent album to date, one designed to bring a message of hope and light to listeners everywhere.
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Official Website: nataliegrant.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nataliegrantmusic
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YouTube: youtube.com/user/nataliegrantvideos
